Cervical Screening

A cervical screening test (previously known as a smear test) is a method of detecting abnormal cells on the cervix. Detecting and removing abnormal cervical cells can prevent cervical cancer.

Cervical screening isn’t a test for cancer; it’s a test to check the health of the cells of the cervix. Most women’s test results show that everything is normal, but for around 1 in 20 women the test shows some abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix. Most of these changes won’t lead to cervical cancer and the cells may go back to normal on their own. However, in some cases, the abnormal cells need to be removed so they can’t become cancerous. About 3,000 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed each year in the UK.

It’s possible for women of all ages to develop cervical cancer, although the condition mainly affects sexually active women aged 30 to 45. The condition is very rare in women under 25.

We recommend ALL women from the age of 25 have a cervical smear every 3 years, as problems detected this way can usually be cured. Appointments can be made with your Doctor during normal Surgery, provided you request a ‘Smear’ appointment. Our Nurse is also fully trained to perform smears and can do so during any Nurse Surgery. We request you make an appointment for this to be done